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Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Children Authors Blitz

Children authors are seen but rarely heard in the blogger world. This Christmas support one of these beautifully talented authors and provide a child in your life with the gift of imagination.

Do you remember as a child, hoping and praying, wishing with all your might, that on Christmas morning that one present was under the tree? The one present you bugged your parents constantly for months about? The one present you obsessed over? Then, you found yourself standing in front of the tree, the one that loomed over you like a mountain, looking in vain for that one box, wrapped in pretty paper, with your name on it?

I do.

For me, it wasn't a Barbie, a board game or even an easy-bake oven. A few months before my tenth Christmas, my mother had taken me to an old second-hand store. Tucked into a corner was a book shelf. It was on that shelf that I saw it for the first time; The Black Stallion. I begged, pleaded and made promises with my mother if she would buy me that one book. Unfortunately, my mother, who survived on a welfare check, didn't even have the 35 cents to buy it for me. I was so angry that I didn't speak to her for a solid day. Of course, being a child I got over it fast, but I continued to obsess about the words that I knew were written on those pages.

Christmas morning, still believing in Santa Claus, I raced to the tree, searching for a small gift from him. There it was, a small present with green wrapping and a red bow taped to it. My thrill was quickly squashed when I tore the paper off the book and found a copy of Little Women. My disappointment quickly turned to joy as I sat down and began reading about the March sisters.

My mother, as I learned years later, wanted me to be challenged, to push myself against convention, and she believed that Little Women was the book to do it. I have since read The Black Stallion, but its love has been lost to me now. My mother had given me a present I never knew I wanted, and could never be replaced.

This Christmas, I ask you, a reader and lover of books, to give your children, your nieces and nephews, your grandchildren or even your friends' children, a gift they don't even realize they want. The love for the written word can be a powerful tool to shaping who these children will be.

I ask you to support these selfless authors whose love for children comes before fame or fortune. They write because of the joy they can bring to a child's world. So whether a child in your life owns a tablet, a laptop, an e-reader or any other device or is receiving one for Christmas, load it full of the endless world of possibilities.

Happy Holidays,

Tami

All authors are represented in alphabetical order.

BRENDA PERLIN (1 BOOK)

TY THE BULL (Age 11 & up)

Everything seemed to fall apart for Ty when his parents got a divorce. At his wits end after being bullied endlessly, he started to ditch school. It wasn't until he met up with a skater named Peacock that things somehow turned around and he put the pieces of his life back together.

Our world was born into chaos four billion years ago. It has survived to nurture and protect a species that is duty-bound to help it live. And it's not human. Now, those protectors are dying and the Earth will perish. Their leader Rox has a plan, but she will not be alone.

From a chance meeting, Rox will travel with the bravest creature she has ever met. A young human girl, Ellie. Travel with them both, through the dark woods to the far reaches of the past, as they seek a way to save our world.

Can you fly?

Ellie returns home to forge a unique friendship that will change her life. Her new companion, Cole, will fly her to amazing heights and plummet to the lowest depths beneath the earth, as they embark together on a perilous and personal quest to discover something precious lost so long ago.

Could you save the world?

The fate of mankind hangs in the balance and on the shoulders of Ellie and her dragon, Cole. Old and new friendships will come together to overcome the dreadful future the young friends have unleashed upon the world. Everything must be risked and sacrificed if Ellie is to save everyone she knows and loves.

In Seren Trilogy, Ellie and her dragon Cole journeyed to the far reaches of our past to prevent the war between man and dragonkind, and could not return home.

In the present day, an Ellie exists that never encountered the dragons, but she somehow harbors the memories of them. Ellie's life has become as normal as it can, for a girl who visits the home of talking rabbits.

But a darkness has been woken in the village. Bitter memories of the past and a thirst for vengeance upon the guilty thrusts Ellie onto the path of danger, and the road to the past where answers lie in wait. Ellie alone must stand against the darkness that would consume all, and overcome it. To accept her fate may lose her everything. To stand against it may cost her everything. The shadows will not be satisfied until she is punished for what she did.

In Vengeance of Shadows, Ellie escaped Isabelle but received a dire warning about the Institute. Now returning home with more questions than answers, Ellie will discover her value not only to this new threat but to a magical device created by the dragons and hidden by Isabelle.

With the net closing in, Ellie is not the only one the Institute have their sights on. Rox and her entire family have been discovered, and their secret revealed. Rox must not only confront this new enemy, but attempt to find her only human friend Ellie in the turmoil, and fight back.

But the Institute have resources and power beyond reckoning. They will sweep aside all who oppose and try to stop them. Their ferocity will bring about a storm like no other. Ellie will try and run from the storm and encounter mysteries, foes and allies but in the end, Ellie will have nowhere to hide from The Oncoming Storm.

In a dystopian future, the Privatol invades American soil, and crops propel the engine. Uncontrollable tyranny has succeeded in dictating where people live, what they do, and what they eat. When Abree, a spunky twelve-year-old is taken away to learn the process of modifying seed to Newly Constructed Food she discovers an evil plan that could alter the fate of the human race, and a way out if only she can escape to tell the others.

The first book of the Saga, Deception Peak is a young adult adventure fantasy about a teenager, Ian Wilson, who follows his father through a portal that magically appears on their computer screen. They travel into a deceptively beautiful Realm, where horses run free, the wind sings prophetic melodies, and their computer avatars come to life. But when the two are separated, Ian is abducted by a tribe of dragon worshipers and is forced to find his courage. As he struggles for his freedom and embarks on a perilous search to find his father, Ian meets the true peacekeepers of the Realm. It’s then that he learns there is a greater purpose for being in there.

"Integrity isn't something you do, it's who you are," Aren tells the confused Ian in The Dragon Shield.

Now a young man, Ian returns to the magical Realm to fight against the tyranny that has befallen his friends. But the Realm: is a different place, the forest is dying, the Kaemperns have lost the shield that protected them from the dragon, and Ian has a hard time proving his allegiance when trouble follows him through the portal.

His struggle to do right buries him in confusion, and he must fight his own will to prove his integrity.

The Ian's Realm Saga is filled with sorcery, wizards, magic, and fantasy adventure, great for young readers and the entire family.

If you enjoy dragons, sorcery, wizards, magic, legend, and fantasy adventure, then this series is for you!

Goose, Boo, Daddoo and Bear set off on a wild adventure. Their mission is to find a mysterious map in a bottle. If they fail, the wicked Foosnags will invade Goodlybuttonswell and they will all be doomed!

As they traverse across the mystical and wild continent of Figmentica, they find themselves on a voyage of discovery. They meet all sorts of fascinating and unusual creatures along the way and learn much about their continent, which they have never dared to explore before.

Do you believe in miracles or a life after this one? Meet little Pearl, an orphan and gentle Ben her rescuer. Both homeless and with no family, they quickly bond and decide it was their destiny to ride out the snow storm inside a little diner. There they meet waitress Alice, who instantly sees their situation as desperate and treats them to breakfast. With their tummies full and their minds full of questions, up pops Joey. Joey is smartly dressed and seems to be much wiser than his years. He claims to be from Tomorrowland. A place he describes as 'someplace nice' where there are no orphans or homeless. No one ever gets sick or grows old. It sounded too good to be true, but Ben and Pearl had nothing to lose...except each other. Would they stay together and live on the streets or take a chance on a better life in Tomorrowland.

Young Princess Annabelle was traveling in her white carriage pulled by four proud white horses. She glanced out and spotted a lone figure under a tree down by a stream. A curious child by nature, she commanded the driver to stop so she could run down and investigate. Once there, she discovers a young boy. His name was Nicholas. He was very different than other young boys the Princess had met, but different in a good way. He was calm and quiet and had an easy way about him as he whittled on a tree branch. Being a Princess, strangers frightened her, but there was something about Nicholas that made her feel at ease. After chatting for a few minutes, she discovers Nicholas was very gifted and had some incredible powers. Powers he tried to convince her- she had as well. She doubted and giggled at first, but soon realized anything's possible..if you believe...

Patchwork Dog has a knack for getting into trouble and his best friend, Calico Cat usually winds up right in the middle of the mess with him. Calico would rather spend her days sleeping in her nice comfortable bed, staying safe and worry free. She knows better than to follow Patchy when he is out looking for a new adventure, but she tags along anyway just in case…

On the other hand, Patchy is very curious and is always investigating new sights, sounds and smells. He follows his nose wherever it goes. Sometimes that leads to trouble but other times it gives Calico a chance to play a trick on her not so sm
art friend.

Join the two lovable creatures as Patchy tries to fly like a bird and finds out that soaring through the air is fun but the landing hurts too much. In another adventure, the little dog gets caught sneaking around an airplane. In the other three stories, Patchy and Calico eat too many apples, confront a not too friendly skunk, and take a magical ride into town.

Patchwork Dog and Calico Cat has illustrations at the beginning of each chapter that hint at what the new adventure will be about. Other pictures are included at the end of each story along with some questions for the child to answer. Older children can read the stories themselves or it would make a wonderful bedtime story book for younger kids. The five tales will entertain children of all ages with the antics of the title characters and hopefully teach youngsters some valuable lessons on sharing and working together.

Patchwork Dog has a knack for getting into trouble and his best friend, Calico Cat usually winds up right in the middle of the mess with him. Calico would rather spend her days sleeping in her nice comfortable bed, staying safe and worry free. She knows better than to follow Patchy when he is out looking for a new adventure, but she tags along anyway just in case…

On the other hand, Patchy is very curious and is always investigating new sights, sounds and smells. He follows his nose wherever it goes. Sometimes that leads to trouble but other times it gives Calico a chance to play a trick on her not so smart friend.

Children will laugh out loud when the two lovable creatures go to the beach where Patchy comes nose to claw with a fiddler crab, or when they take a walk through the woods and meet a not too friendly bear who can not decide whether to help the two lost campers or eat them.

In the other stories, children will enjoy reading about how Patchy and Calico accidentally join the circus, take an unplanned boat ride and get caught sneaking into a school classroom.

Patchy and Calico’s Summer Vacation has illustrations at the beginning of each chapter that hint at what the new adventure will be about. Other pictures are included at the end of each story along with some questions for the child to answer. Older children can read the stories themselves or it would make a wonderful bedtime story book for younger kids. The five tales will entertain children of all ages with the antics of the title characters and hopefully teach youngsters some valuable lessons working together and staying out of trouble.

Christmas is a special time for kids of all ages and in “Christmas with Patchy and Calico”, the lovable dog and cat discover the true spirit of the holiday season. Through their many adventures, the two friends learn that giving and sharing are just as much fun as receiving presents.

In one story, making a snowman should be a fairly simple job, but not for these two. Patchy decides to show off and accidentally becomes the world’s first walking snowdog.

Then when all the Christmas presents mysteriously disappear, Patchy and Calico become detectives. They track down the gift snatcher and come face to face with the bully who stole all the gifts from underneath their Christmas tree.

In other adventures, the two friends find a wealth of chestnuts and are given lots of treats. What Patchy and Calico do with all the chestnuts and treats will teach children how simple gifts can make both the giver and receiver very happy.

Preschoolers up to elementary-aged children (and adults too) love the adventures and misadventures of the two title characters. The humorous stories, illustrations, and simple questions at the end of each story will entertain kids while teaching them valuable lessons on sharing, caring and giving while spreading Christmas cheer.

Other books in this series include “Patchwork Dog and Calico Cat” and “Patchy and Calico's Summer Vacation.”

Gerald and the Wee People is a novel intended for young adults but readers of all ages will get carried away in the world of the Wee People.

Gerald and his best friend, Vernon literally fall into a new world when responding to a plea for help. A few years prior to that, the boys had discovered an unusual clearing in the woods where only Gerald had the ability to watch the daily activities that took place in a miniature village.

When creatures started attacking the village, Gerald became more and more concerned about the little inhabitants that he had become attached to. Vernon humored his friend but became concerned when Gerald mentioned one of the villagers coming to him and asking for help.

To prove him wrong, Vernon agreed to venture out to the clearing late one night and show Gerald it was all in his imagination. Instead, Vernon was drawn into the enchanted vision and both boys charged off to the rescue.

While in the wee people village, Gerald and Vernon try to fulfill a prophecy overcoming many dangers and obstacles. The boys help the villagers in their fight against the misshapen ones while also trying to defeat a powerful being intent on destroying all life.

The characters in the book come to life and will make you laugh, cry and root for the underdog. Gerald and the Wee People is an action packed fantasy adventure that will keep you spellbound until the last page.

"House on Bo-Kay Lane" continues the adventure begun in book one in this series, "Gerald and the Wee People".

Gerald and Vernon believe their time with the wee people came to an end after they returned to their home world but begin to wonder when strange things started to happen at an abandoned house in their neighborhood. Ghostly images of familiar faces from the wee people village are seen in the windows, echoes of voices from the past haunt the boys’ dreams and an undeniable curiosity draws Gerald and Vernon to investigate the mysterious haunted house. What they find takes them back to the world of the wee people and a new adventure begins.

In House on Bo-Kay Lane, a mirror is found in a forgotten room in the far-seers’ training center. Sheela, a far-seer master and Alyson, an apprentice firestarter are unwillingly drawn into the depths of the mirror and wind up in the abandoned house on Bo-Kay Lane. Sheela uses her telepathic skills to enlist the aid of Gerald, Vernon and Gerald’s father, Andrew to help find the way back to the world of the wee people.

That problem resolved, they try to unravel the secrets of the mirror and find that it is a portal between their two worlds, as well as to a time in the future and possibly even to a parallel universe. They also discover that someone is trapped inside the mirror and the decision has to be made as to whether or not to help the trapped soul escape the confines of the portal.

Meanwhile, the wee people discover the origins of their world. That knowledge is not well accepted and leads to discord between them and the outworlders, Gerald, Andrew and Vernon. An uneasy truce paves the way to an understanding and acceptance of the unwelcome facts and eventually to a solution of how to deal with the man in the mirror.

When the dragon Jaax receives word that a human infant has been found in the province of Oescienne, he doesn’t dare believe it. Humans have been extinct for centuries, trapped by a terrible curse and left to live out their existence in the form of dragons. Despite his doubts, however, Jaax assumes responsibility for the baby girl only to discover that what he has been seeking for so many years has finally been found . . .

Jahrra knows all about the legends and sagas of Oescienne, but never in her wildest dreams would she believe that she played a part in one of them. She’s far too busy dodging the bullies at school and seeking out new adventures with her friends to worry about what secrets her dragon mentor might be keeping from her, or that her every move is being watched by something living in the forest surrounding her home.

But the secrets run deep, and as Jahrra fights to earn her place in this extraordinary world, she will begin to unravel the truth of it all: that she isn’t as safe as she thought she was, that danger lurks around every corner, and that her role in this unfurling tale is far more significant than she could possibly imagine.

Twelve years have passed since Jahrra arrived in Oescienne and became the responsibility of the old Korli dragon Hroombra; yet much can happen in twelve years. So far, Jahrra’s life has been filled with adventure, danger, friendship and even loss. Despite what she has learned in school and what she has learned from life, she has no idea that she is in fact human, a child of the race that has been absent from the world of Ethöes for five long centuries . . .

But the girl’s identity must be kept secret, even from Jahrra herself, for if the Tyrant King of the East knew of her existence all would be lost. And as time goes by those responsible for the young human girl grow anxious and cautious, for there is evidence of an unknown danger in their midst; a danger they cannot see or hear, but one they can sense like a bad omen.

As Jahrra continues to grow and learn about the world around her, facing personal dangers, challenges and enemies of her own, she will become aware of the prophecy that she is meant to fulfill and what she must sacrifice in order to survive what lies ahead.

Growing up is never easy, but for Jahrra, seventeen years has brought its own unique share of hardships. She’s made both friends and enemies; has felt both joy and sorrow. Yet she has persevered through it all and has finally learned to know and accept who she is. Unfortunately, her trials and tribulations are only just beginning . . .

An inconceivable tragedy and the revelation of a secret kept from her since birth has turned her perfect world on its end. Jahrra isn’t the poor Nesnan she thought she was, but human, one promised by Ethöes in a prophecy from long ago. Now, without her guardian, she must accept the help of the one she mistrusts the most as they flee Oescienne before the Tyrant’s minions have a chance to close in.

With her enemies at her heels and the terrifying truth looming before her, Jahrra will seek shelter with the dragon Raejaaxorix in the faraway city of Lidien, a place of hope and enlightenment. But when the City of Light proves to entertain its own dangers, Jahrra and Jaax find their safety threatened once again. But this time the threat may be coming from those they trust the most . . .

Boris is a stray kitten rescued from the city streets. He finds his forever home on the farm of his dreams where he meets his sassy older sister, Olga. Together, Boris and Olga explore the farmstead and all it has to offer!

Through the antics and adventures of these two adorable cats, you’ll meet and learn about an array of animals and farm activities. You will get the chance to discover everything from how hay is made, the process of milking cows, and even why birds migrate; learning alongside Boris as he is taught about his new life!

You will have the chance to meet some very interesting characters that include Charlie the Dog, Gus the Squirrel, Charlotte the Horse, Zeke the Mallard Duck, and the Holstein Heifers, Betsy and Ellie Mae. You will be able to hunt for frogs, climb a Christmas tree, and even go to the vet. Come discover the things that fascinate a feline and experience it through the eyes of the cat himself!

This is the story of Little Rachel Dark and the time she decided she was ready to find her light.Amazon

KATHRYN & GABRIELLE JOHNS (1 BOOK)

THE PRINCESS IN THE PYRAMID (Age 11 & up)

Best friends Brianna Miller and Eddie Williams are a couple of typical Midwestern pre-teens who share an unusual passion for Ancient Egypt. But this interest does not prepare them for a magic papyrus or an encounter with mysterious girl from another time.

Suddenly, the friends find themselves in the land of the pyramids, where, with the help of their new friend Ibis, they must perform an impossible task or they will never be able to return home.

Follow Jessie on her inquisitive journey as she travels the world on an imaginative adventure. Jessie discovers that there are many ways to celebrate her favorite holiday. Join Jessie and open your imagination to the many possibilities.

Before the first snow in Louisiana could melt, Theresa and her friends rushed outside to build their very own snowman.

After they built their rather funny looking snowman, Andrew realized that his Papa’s lucky fishing hat was just what Chilly the Snowman needed. The children were all surprised when Andrew placed the hat on Chilly’s head and he came to life!

Come follow Theresa and her friends as they celebrate their first snow with Chilly the Snowman!

Once upon Mystica there were six wizards, three light and three dark. One day, one of the dark wizards Midnight says a spell to trap his fellow wizards. The spell goes astray and all the wizards are trapped in stones, including Midnight. Now, one curios boy finds one of these stones and releases Midnight upon Mystica. Midnight gathers an army and prepares for war. Miranda has dreams of Mystica. She travels there to find the one wizard that can stop Midnight, Lightning. Follow Miranda through the Plains, Ice Caves, Forest of the Lost, and the Dragon's Lair. Can Miranda find and release Lightning and save Mystica?

It was a normal sunny day in Wickedville when suddenly the sun disappeared, the animals began to cry and things started to turn black. It was Sara Unsmiley taking all the happiness away. Will Hazel and her friends be able to stop her before they are completely surrounded by darkness?

Meet Aaliyah Anderson, a beautiful, intelligent, ambitious thirteen-year-old young woman ready to take over the world. With her mom being a superstar broadcast journalist and her older brother Damon being an acclaimed writer and star sports player. Aaliyah lives a fantastic life. Aaliyah quickly learns that her good life, doesn't separate her from life's problems. She has to deal with tons of hardships and avoid many obstacles along her path to achieving her short term goal of finally making it to high school and what she feels will bring her closer to her dreams of being a CEO of a company.

Aaliyah has to deal with overwhelming family issues such as the divorce of her parents and the result of her "father's" unfaithfulness, infidelity, and a family secret that turns her world upside down. As if her family wasn't messed up enough, her eleven-year old brother turns to the streets and joins the Eastside Rydahz, one of the most notorious gangs in the city. Her eldest brother Jeffery, or high-ranked Rydah 808, hates everything about Aaliyah and she doesn't understand it. All Aaliyah wants is to have the ideal loving, united family and it hurts her that their situation is seemingly fractured beyond repair.

To make things even more pressing, she lives in the ruthless city of Willowsfield, statistically the #1 most dangerous city in America, where senseless community violence is the norm and life expectancy is low. With the pressure to succeed and make it out of the ditch that Aaliyah calls her hometown, she still has to deal with more problems that test her patience.

With its realistic characters, life-like setting and dynamic message, The Diary of Aaliyah Anderson is entertaining and a sure fire conversation starter on what we need to do as a generation.